Sourcing AC Compressor
 

What's the best place to get a rebuilt AC compressor? I've been told to get an AC Delco.

Thanks.

For the cost difference, I'd go new. Got mine from Carlise in San Antonio.

Phil got me a new one when the original one in my 240D seized up.

I bought one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360346658161&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT

And while I haven't installed it, it matches up with the one out my 79 300D mount point wise, and I'm sure it will work in my 85 300D.

Brand new AC Delco r4, with the metal/rubber seals, instructions for R12 and R134 usage. Smaller that stock clutch, but the belt lines up.

The AC Delco 15-20206 compressor that was installed in my 300cd has been going strong for 3 years. The shorter clutch of this unit puts the A/C belt further away from the oil cooler lines; a better margin of safety in the event that a motor mount fails.

Are you using R12 or R134a?
There are Delco R-4s which are designed to work with the higher pressure of the R134a and you can get the proper serial number from Carlisle Auto Air in San Antonio.. the place already mentioned... talk to Tray Carlisle.

I second Phil for a source. NEW is the way to go. these compressors are notoriously difficult to rebuild. Just bite the bullet and go new.
also, if you need a compressor, you need expansion valve (TXV), reciever, and you should replace the manifold with rubber lines that attaches to the compressor. ALSO you should flush all traces of oil and residue out of both coils with a proper flush tool, and flush compound, using DRY NITROGEN or CO2 as a pressure flush.

OT: beautiful car. Love the interior!

OK, back to A/C.

I agree. I have the MB AC manual and have read the section on rebuilding the Delco R-4 ( and the other types also just for the record).... NO normal human being is able to properly rebuild those units... unless you have the factory supplied SPECIAL TOOLS and JIGS... no way, no how. And I am all for rebuilding rebuildable stuff...
Would Phil or you post the serial number which is designed for the higher pressure R134a refrigerant please ? and the SKU at Peach parts would help keep anyone from making a mistake in ordering.
" Replace the manifold " I have mentioned this many times but doubt that it happens .... It is stated in the MB AC FSM as necessary when replacing the compressor after a system failure. the " manifold" .. the metal manifold at the side of the compressor... must have a NON CLEANABLE filter or restriction in it... as the FSM says nothing about being able to clean it.. it says " REPLACE".... but I wonder if they are available ?
" Both Coils " --John was using short hand... he is referring to the condensor and the evaporator coils. When power flushing the system the old or new receiver /dryer or the compressor are not involved. The new receiver dryer is only opened up when the system is about to be put back together as it immediately starts to absorb moisture...and it's capacity is limited. Once that capacity if reached then it no longer protects the system from the moisture and the acid produced by that moisture.. which can eat the insides out of the AC system... the problem being that a few flakes off the inside can make their way to the TXvalve ( block valve on 123 ) and stop it up.
John, we were going to make up a definitive AC thread for a sticky... you are not busy.. why don't you do that this week ? LOL

Whiew... a/c thread... what, you don't wanna just tackle every a/c question as they come in?

OH, John, What was I thinking... if we did that half the SUMMER conversations would be missing.... much better to answer them one by one...

A new metal manifold for the Delco R4 is available ?
How about a part number ?
How much is it ?

When I put my new compressor on last summer, I had to replace the manifold. I don't have the part number but it was all together as a hose assembly. I think it was just under $400. More than the compressor!

OUCH !!!! maybe that is why I thought they were not available !!!! Not available in my budget ..... LOL

Charles, Did you cut yours open to see what is inside which makes it not cleanable ?

I keep wondering if there isn't a solution other than using one of the worst compressors ever made. What inspired Mercedes to source that particular pump is beyond me.

Once you answer that get back to me on the whole evil servo too. :mad:

Your impression of the R-4 Delco is warped by the fact that we on the forum talk about it when it goes bad....and many have tried to use it with the higher pressures of R134a without changing to the later R-4 made to deal with the higher pressures...
and we are dealing with old cars and sometimes less than diligent methodology with regards to cleaning and servicing the AC systems.... most especially in the even of a ' black death' ... which puts corrosive stuff into much of the system DEMANDING a complete FLUSH and replacement of appropriate parts...
When the rules are NOT followed then these look like badly designed units.. when in fact they have served millions and millions of cars and trucks over the decades. ' The Rules' are tighter for a compressor with no sump....
I only learned this when I was expressing the same view you did talking to Tray Carlisle of Carlisle Air in San Antonio... he set me straight on the bigger picture... and told me at that time of the serial number difference in the later R134a models of the R-4 Delco which are working just fine...

Did you happen to ask Trey if buying a R-4 made to handle R134a and actually using it for R12 would be a good idea? Seems like it might last longer if it was a higher pressure design?

I did not ask him that... I don't think there is a problem with longevity if the model is matched to the refrigerant it was made to use... but I would use the stronger one myself no matter which refrigerant I use... ( this is advice which agrees with ' Tim the Toolman Taylor ).... AARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH more power !!!

you're getting your grunts mixed up.
AARRRRGGGGHHHHHH! is Charlie Brown's exasperation at lucy with the football in her hand.

Tim Taylor's grunt is UGHH UGHH UGHH!

True, and when I say it outloud I feel more like a Pirate....

My opinion on the r-4 pre-dates my ownership of a Mercedes. These were barely adequate for r12. GM made a cheap piece of crap, and sold them at a price so low that everybody from Mercedes to Ford used them. Yes, I'm sure using one redesigned for 134 would help, but I remember these being a problem BEFORE the changeover.

I'm sure if you run an A/C shop you LOVE them.

The problem is trying to fit another compressor style into the space in which MB stuck these.... so most people just try to follow the rules to the letter (if they understand its limitations ) so they will last as long as they are able to....and pray at the same time..

Yeah, it is a tight spot. I've been stewing on this all winter, 'cause I'm going to want A/C come summer time. I just can't convince myself to spend the kind of money to "do it right" with an r4 when I don't think using an r4 is any part of doing it right. The space problem kinda confirms my opinion: everything I want to put in there is at least half again as large - there has to be a reason.

I've got a complete sealed system in a Toyota Tundra I'm parting out, but the compressor on that looks like it'll be too long, plus the v-belt issue. I'll probably wind up with a Sanden if I can make it work. Building brackets isn't that big a deal to me, its just getting it to fit at all that I wonder at.

Am I reading that ebay ad for a new delco compressor for 85$ out the door? I paid like 400$ for a harrison, Xvalve, and oil.

I'm finding that hard to believe.

OK. Information overload. I could use some help sorting this all out. Does anyone have experience with the < $100 compressors working? What brand should I look for? R4 is the style right?